ELK Tag "East or West"

[ebusa]

Hi Guys,

My former boss invited me to go Elk hunting this season.  I purchased my license a few days ago and choose Eastern Washingon tag.  He informed me today we are planning to hunt the West side for elk.

Can I get a West side tag or am I stuck now having to hunt in east? 

Thanks
Evan

[bigtex]

As far as I know you are stuck. I had a W. WA tag several years ago and became friends with one of the local WDFW Officers in Kittitas COunty and I am a master hunter and he tried to have the tag changed to E.WA so I could do the Kittitas COunty Master Hunter elk tag and the licensing division wouldnt change it for me.

[bobcat]

I think you can get it changed to a west side elk tag since you have not applied for special permit hunts.

Try calling 360-902-2464. (WDFW Licensing Division)

[bobcat]

Actually, from reading in the regulation pamphlet, you should call the Wildlife Program at 360-902-2515.

Here is what it says:

Refunds/Exchanges
There are no refunds for hunting licenses or transport tags. Exchanges of hunting license documents will not be made after the general season begins.

Then it tells you to contact the Wildlife Program.

[jstone]

Yes you can change it, but it has to be before the season starts. I had a buddy change from west to east when he had no one to go with.

[ebusa]

Thanks for the info guys!  Looks like I just need to take my tag back to Fred Meyer and they will call the WDFW to have it exchanged. 

[C-Money]

Cool, hope it works out for you! Good luck. I am sure there will be a fee.

[bobcat]

Yes he may have to pay the dealer fee, which I believe is $1.00.

[Jburke]

If you take it to one of the dfw offices to have it changed there is no fee.  Did that last year free of charge.

[blk_tmbr_archery]

I changed my tag this year from West to East after my hunting partner plan fell apart.  I had also applied for a permit.  Even with a permit application you may change your tag long as you did not receive the permit.  The only specification is that a permit and tag must be purchased for the same area.  If you receive the permit you will not be allowed to change your tag.

[bobcat]

I changed my tag this year from West to East after my hunting partner plan fell apart.  I had also applied for a permit.  Even with a permit application you may change your tag long as you did not receive the permit.  The only specification is that a permit and tag must be purchased for the same area.  If you receive the permit you will not be allowed to change your tag.

They shouldn't allow you to do that, and I really think it is against the rules for them to let you switch your tag like that.

[MtnMuley]

 

[Skillet]

I changed my tag this year from West to East after my hunting partner plan fell apart.  I had also applied for a permit.  Even with a permit application you may change your tag long as you did not receive the permit.  The only specification is that a permit and tag must be purchased for the same area.  If you receive the permit you will not be allowed to change your tag.

Wow - this just made my "East vs. West" tag debate for next year go away... 

[Curly]

I changed my tag this year from West to East after my hunting partner plan fell apart.  I had also applied for a permit.  Even with a permit application you may change your tag long as you did not receive the permit.  The only specification is that a permit and tag must be purchased for the same area.  If you receive the permit you will not be allowed to change your tag.

Wow - this just made my "East vs. West" tag debate for next year go away... 

 

Opens up a whole bunch of permits that I can now apply for in Eastern Washington and if I don't draw them, I can just get a W Wa tag to hunt branched bulls on this side...

[blk_tmbr_archery]

I changed my tag this year from West to East after my hunting partner plan fell apart.  I had also applied for a permit.  Even with a permit application you may change your tag long as you did not receive the permit.  The only specification is that a permit and tag must be purchased for the same area.  If you receive the permit you will not be allowed to change your tag.

They shouldn't allow you to do that, and I really think it is against the rules for them to let you switch your tag like that.

Before you say it is against the law should know how the system works.  Originally I emailed the WDFW and posed the question.  Upon approval I went down to a local distributor for the transaction.  During the transaction a screen appears dictating to the teller to call Fish and Wildlife prior to moving further.  During the conversation Fish and Wildlife walks the clerk through the process providing required information to complete the transaction.  Considering WDFW is directly involved in the transaction and looking at your information concurrently on the other end; I would say it's legal.  I was even required to talk to the WDFW manager on the phone during the transaction.

[wastickslinger]

Des the same hold true for switching your weapon choice for yout tag as long as it is before the season starts?

[trophyhunt]

Great question!!!! Holy crap i never thought of that, I'm calling them in the morning.

[blk_tmbr_archery]

Des the same hold true for switching your weapon choice for yout tag as long as it is before the season starts?

When I changed my tag I changed from Western Archery to Eastern Firearm; therefore, the answer is yes.

[trophyhunt]

You must have not put in for special permits then?

[bobcat]

Previous post in this thread. See the part I put in bold.

I changed my tag this year from West to East after my hunting partner plan fell apart. I had also applied for a permit.  Even with a permit application you may change your tag long as you did not receive the permit.  The only specification is that a permit and tag must be purchased for the same area.  If you receive the permit you will not be allowed to change your tag.

Just because in this one case, they exchanged tags, it still is not allowed under the rules. I will post the actual rule if I get a chance later today. (it will take a while to find it)

[trophyhunt]

I just talked to wdfw on the phone about switching from muzzy to archery and they said NO, It is not allowed.  I'm not saying someone didn't slip through the cracks but they're not letting me slip through.

[SkookumHntr]

I just talked to wdfw on the phone about switching from muzzy to archery and they said NO, It is not allowed.  I'm not saying someone didn't slip through the cracks but they're not letting me slip through.

Thats the reason not to apply for the hunts you applied for, you dont draw and you get a very crappy elk season!

[trophyhunt]

I sort of agree with you, I've wasted my youth waiting for a special elk tag but with 15 points I have to keep trying untill I fill it. But after I do draw my tag, my focus will be on archery rut elk hunts over the counter, probably on the west side in the backcountry.